Shingles: Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment

What is shingles?

Shingles, also known as herpes zoster, is a disease characterised by a painful skin rash. It is caused by the same virus responsible for chickenpox, and approximately one in three adults who has had chickenpox before will develop this condition later in life.

Direct contact with the fluid from the shingles rash blisters is the primary mode of transmission. People who have not had chickenpox or have not been vaccinated against it can become infected with the varicella-zoster virus (VZV) if they come into contact with the fluid from the blisters of someone with shingles.

While it is possible to inhale virus particles from the blisters, it is less common.

What causes shingles?

Shingles occur when the chickenpox virus is reactivated. After a person has had chickenpox, the virus remains in the body and can be reactivated causing shingles.

Who is at risk for shingles?

Several factors can increase the risk of developing shingles:

Ageing
Weakened immune system with conditions like HIV/AIDS, cancer treatments
Long term use of corticosteroids

What are the signs and symptoms of shingles?

Each individual may experience different symptoms from one another. Symptoms may include:

Skin sensitivity, tingling, itching, and/or pain in the area of the skin before the rash shows up.
Rash, which usually shows up after a few days and initially looks like tiny, red spots that become blisters.
Blisters normally scab over in 7 to 10 days and clear up in a span of 2 to 4 weeks.

Other symptoms of shingles may include:

Upset stomach
Nausea/vomiting
Fever and/or chills
Headache

The symptoms of shingles may seem like other similar medical conditions or issues. Always consult your doctor for a proper diagnosis.

How is shingles diagnosed?

Shingles is typically diagnosed based on the signs and symptoms presented by the individual. Your doctor will conduct a physical exam and review your medical history, especially about whether you have ever experienced chickenpox. Your doctor may also take your skin scrapings for testing.

How is shingles treated?

Treatment for shingles aims to relieve symptoms, shorten the duration of the outbreak, and prevent complications. You may not need any treatment if you have a mild rash.

Medicine (antiviral tablets) may be prescribed to aid in your recovery from shingles if:

You have a weakened immune system.
Your rash or the pain you are experiencing is moderate or severe.
The rash affects other parts of your body other than your chest, tummy, and back.

You normally need to begin taking the medicine within 3 days of your rash appearance.

Treatment for shingles can also include medicines to aid in alleviating the pain, such as painkillers, steroid tablets, or medicines that relieve nerve pain.

How to prevent shingles?

There is a recommended vaccine to prevent shingles and related complications. Talk to your doctor about the recombinant zoster vaccine.

Some individuals who are vaccinated against chickenpox can still get shingles years later. This is, however, significantly less common than those who have had chickenpox.

Make an appointment at Pantai Hospitals

Consult your doctor if you are experiencing symptoms of shingles. A dedicated and expert team of dermatologists at Pantai Hospitals is available for consultation to provide the best care and assistance.

Pantai Hospitals has been accredited by the Malaysian Society for Quality in Health (MSQH) for its commitment to patient safety and service quality.